PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday approved the proposed amendments to the KP Housing Schemes Regulations, 2024, and ordered a speedy process for determining the legal status and approval of unapproved and illegal housing schemes.

A statement issued here said that Mr Afridi was chairing a meeting of the Council of the Land Use and Building Control Authority (Lubca), which took key decisions regarding regulation of housing schemes, prevention of illegal construction, improvement of the development authorities system, and enhancement of authority’s institutional capacity.

Mr Afridi said that a cut-off date should be fixed for all unregistered and illegal housing schemes to submit registration applications.

He ordered authorities to take strict action, in accordance with the law, against schemes that fail to submit applications within the stipulated period or do not fulfil the prescribed requirements.

Seeks centralised system for building plan approvals by development authorities

The chief minister said that bringing unregistered housing schemes within the legal framework was the primary objective of expanding the housing regulations.

He directed Lubca to develop a centralised system for approval of building plans for all development authorities except the Peshawar Development Authority.

Mr Afridi said that a final roadmap regarding the integration of development authorities or establishment of a centralised system would be presented within two weeks.

He said that an integrated and effective system was essential for improving the performance of development authorities and ensuring transparency.

The meeting also considered a proposal for creation of 21 new posts to enhance the Lubca’s capacity. Matters relating to approval and renewal of the enlistment fee structure and a uniform debris fee were also reviewed.

It reached an agreement in principle on the proposed enlistment and renewal fee structure and uniform debris fee. Regarding the proposal to exempt residential building plans up to five marlas from debris fees, the chief minister said that the matter should be placed before the Finance Committee.

The meeting also decided to maintain the existing revenue-sharing formula between Lubca and tehsil municipal administrations.

Officials said that under the existing formula, Lubca received 25 per cent of the revenue, while the rest went to TMAs.

The council also approved the Lubca’s revised budget for 2025-26 and estimated budget for 2026-27.

The chief minister ordered the formation of a Finance Committee under the Council to present final recommendations on matters having financial implications.

He said that addressing illegal construction activities, ensuring sustainable development and strengthening TMAs were all essential, so they must be pursued simultaneously.

Mr Afridi said effective enforcement of relevant laws and serious measures were indispensable for achieving the desired outcomes.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2026